Mixing on the Lawn : Exploring Natural Pigments

About this class

A 5-weeks masterclass designed to take a literal intake on the word lawn, where artists will explore the world of natural pigments, creating vibrant colors from flower petals. Participants will harvest and transform flowers into pigments, learn to mix them with a natural binder to create personalized
paints. We will also understand how to mix up colors from the harvested flowers to understand gradients. Each participant will leave with their own batch of paints, their own visual recipe color book and the knowledge of how to store and reuse their handcrafted colors.

Class Outline

Week 1: Harvesting Pigments from Nature

• Introduction to the concept of natural pigments
• Identifying suitable flowers and plants in your local environment
• Preparing harvested materials for pigment extraction
• Demonstrate step by step how to dehydrate petals
  

Week 2 : Extracting Pigments and Creating Paint

• Feeding into color theory
• Crushing and grinding harvested materials into pigments
• How to store the pigments
• Introduction to natural binders
• Mixing pigments with a natural binder to create paints
• Testing and adjusting paint consistency
• How to store paint
  

Week 3: Understanding Color Gradients

• Introduction to color gradients
• Creating smooth color transitions and gradients
• Applying gradients to sample artwork

Week 4: Understanding Color Gradients Continued

• More color gradients
• Creating smooth color transitions and gradients
• Applying gradients to sample artwork
  

Week 5: Color Dictionary

• Creating their own visual recipe color book
• Proper storage techniques for homemade paints
• How to reactivate and reuse dried paints

Materials needed

Please note: VCUQatar reserves the right to cancel classes for which not enough participants are registered. Already paid fees will be refunded.

Please do not purchase materials until VCUQatar has sent final course confirmation.

Items to buy for this class

Participants are required to buy their own materials and bring them to every class – 

• If you want to bring in your own flower Petals
• Mortar and Pestle or Grinder
• Fine Mesh Strainer
• Liquid Gum Arabic
• Honey 
• Glycerin
• Small quantity measuring spoons
• Plastic or Metal Palette with Empty Pans
• Mixing wooden sticks 
• Palette Knife 
• Mini airtight Jars: For storing dry pigments and liquid paint.
• Brushes
• Watercolor Paper
• Notebook/Sketchbook
• The class will also prepare the materials just in case you can’t find it. 

Occasionally, additional materials may need to be purchased and brought in as directed by the instructor.

Where to buy your materials

Most of the materials are available from any art supply shop, for example:

• Cass Art (Fire station)
• Jarir Bookstore: on Rayyan Road or Salwa Road
• Color Note: on Al Nasser Street
• Ibn Al Qayyim: at Markhiya Roundabout
• Al Rawnaq

Schedule

Start: Wed, 13 Nov, 2024
End: Wed, 11 Dec, 2024
Lessons: 5
Days: Wednesdays
Time: 5:00-7:30 pm
Location: VCUarts Qatar
Cost: QAR 950

Instructors